"Sam. Sam, wake up." A voice said. I didn't want to open my eyes. Sleeping felt so good. Being alone felt so safe. When my eyes squinted open, I saw a brunette standing there to my left. Marlo.
"There you are." She smiled, smoothing my hair with her hand. Reality.
"Hey." I smiled lightly back, feeling slightly awkward by the events that had unfolded. It was not Marlo's fault that she was bi-polar. It was however that she had stopped managing it. I refused to judge though- I had no idea what was going on in her head.
"How are you feeling? The nurses told me you had a little fall. They called me and said you were looking for me." She asked.
"No, no, I'm fine Marlo. Thanks for checking on me though. Where is Oliver?"
"He went home for a bit. You've been sleeping most of the day." I glanced at the clock. It was 6pm. Right on cue, my stomach started to rumble.
"I can get you some dinner. I know you like that chicken place down the road from the station!" Marlo exclaimed. She filled my water and handed it to me.
"Marlo, I just wouldn't feel right." I sighed. She looked up, placing the pitcher down.
"Let me do this for you. I feel terrible. I feel like I put you in this position." She stroked her finger against my cheek, leaning in to hug me.
"You didn't do anything wrong. I just.. can't do this anymore." The words came out quick and awkward, and Marlo froze. I didn't want to hurt Marlo, especially since she'd been in a fragile state lately.
"Is this because of the case? Or because of someone else?" She asked, her face cold.
"I guess a bit of both." I felt the pain in my abdomen worsen and rung for the nurse. I needed more drugs, stat.
"You're not in the right mind right now Sam, take a week to mull it over." She said.
"Marlo, I've felt this way for a while. I'm sorry. You're a great girl. I just... love someone else." I couldn't believe I'd admitted it to her. The old Sam could never have been so brave.
"I saw this coming four months back. I just wish it didn't sting so bad." Marlo shook her head, her eyes far and off gaze.
"Feel better." She said shortly, hanging on to the rail of the bed for a few moments, glancing at me, and turning away swiftly.
I was burning bridges, ripping stitches, and for what? What did I have to show for it?
As of now, absolutely nothing.